ISO Update: Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Musicians Reach Agreement, Season Resumes Oct. 18-20

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Symphony Society, Inc. and the Indianapolis Musicians, Local #3 of the American Federation of Musicians have reached an agreement. 

Late Monday evening they ratified two contracts – a “bridge” agreement, effective Oct. 16, 2012-Feb. 3, 2013, and the major financial terms of a five-year contract beginning Feb. 4, 2013 and expiring on Sept. 3, 2017.

The agreements are an important component of a new business model for the ISO that includes substantially reduced costs, significant new fundraising efforts by the board, the staff and the musicians, and a more sustainable draw rate on the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Foundation (the endowment). 

The terms of the five-year contract include a salary range of $53,000 in year one to $70,000 in year five and the continuation of healthcare and most pension benefits. Overall, the contract represents $11.5 million in concessions by the musicians, which includes a 32 percent pay cut in the first year. The contract’s final year represents an approximate 10 percent pay cut from the musicians’ current salary. While the musicians have agreed to work eight weeks less than in previous seasons in the first two seasons of the new contract, over the five-year period there will be a 38-42 week performance schedule that maintains the ISO’s classical, pops, family, holiday and summer concert series under the ISO’s artistic leadership of Maestros Krzysztof Urbański and Jack Everly, as well as dynamic new programming created by the ISO’s artists-in-residence, Time for Three.

As a key ingredient to the success of a five-year contract, the ISO and musicians agreed to a short-term contract in order to put the musicians back to work immediately and to permit the $5 million in funding from new donors to be secured. In addition, the ISO will be calling on its community of subscribers, patrons, affiliate group members, major gift and annual fund donors and corporate leaders to rise to the occasion and contribute significantly to the Orchestra’s fundraising efforts by purchasing subscriptions and single tickets, donating to the annual fund, making legacy gifts and sponsoring the ISO’s concerts and educational programs. Only with robust community support will the ISO be successful in raising 50-100 percent more than the $6.5 million it receives each year in annual gifts.

On Thursday, Oct. 18, the first Stella Artois Happy Hour at the Symphony of the 2012-2013 season features the ISO’s dynamic string trio, Time for Three, with the Orchestra. Doors open at 5 p.m. with complimentary food and beverages from local restaurants, and the one-hour performance begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person.

For his return to Indianapolis, Maestro Urbański will open this weekend’s Lilly Classical Series concerts with Olivier Messiaen’s Poèmes pour Mi, featuring American soprano and Indiana University alumna Twyla Robinson. Following intermission, Maestro Urbański will return to lead the Orchestra in Claude Debussy’s La Mer and conclude with Boléro, Maurice Ravel’s beloved dance-inspired masterpiece. The concert on Friday, Oct. 19 begins at 8 p.m., and the performance on Saturday, Oct. 20 begins at 5:30 p.m. Tickets start at $12 per person.

Patrons who have tickets from previously canceled performances may exchange into this weekend’s performances or another of their choice (excluding special events). Contact the ISO Box Office by calling (317) 639-4300 or iso@indianapolissymphony.org. ISO subscribers may email the ISO at subscriber@indianapolissymphony.org.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her newest column, Infused at GottaGo.us and www.FoodandDrinkDigital.com and as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, in M magazine and these newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Concert Review: The Cabaret: Stephanie J.Block

Stephanie J. Block             Image/Mark A Lee of Great Exposures

Stephanie J. Block lit up the poshest venue in Indianapolis Friday evening with her wit, energy and talent. The Cabaret at The Columbia Club, 121 Monument Circle, aka the third floor's Crystal Terrace, twinkled with stardust as Block brought her own brand of vivaciousness to attendees of the upscale club's annual fundraiser.

Block and Jackman Photo/Joan Marcus

The star of Broadway hits such as "The Boy from Oz" and "Wicked," channels Liza Minnelli, Block's best friend. "Just don't tell Liza," she jokes and immediately outshines even the room's lovely crystal chandeliers with "Ring Them Bells" and "Maybe This Time."

As sweet as a cupcake -- infused with a shot of bourbon -- Block packs an unforeseen punch with the innocent "Never Neverland (Fly Away)" only to give that spirited kick with "Defying Gravity." Proving executive director Shannon Forsell still has the golden touch in bringing quality talent to the Circle City; Block brought the audience to its feet for three separate ovations throughout the performance.

Image/Bill Westmoreland

Block's CD, "this place i know" includes fun, female-friendly "15 Pounds (away from my love)," the heartbreaking "The Hardest Part of Love," and "I Will Always Love You," as a duet with Dolly Parton.

Bottom Line: Stephanie J. Block lights up The Cabaret at The Columbia Club with her thousand-watt charm and talent. "this place i know" showcases Block's range with songs from fun and sassy to reflective and somber.

For tickets, complete schedule, upcoming performances and directions, visit The Cabaret at The Columbia Club.

Thanks to Mark A. Lee of GreatExposures.net

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Theater Review: From Dark Pages tracks Jack the Ripper

Progressive plays lead the audience throughout an area rather than performing on stage in front of a sitting audience. From Dark Pages is performed in this method, covering the three-story 1865 home known as the Morris-Butler House, 1204 N. Park Ave., Indianapolis.

Being new to this type of theater, it didn't take a second thought to accept an invitation extended by Indiana Landmarks organization. It's best to arrive 15 minutes early as the performance starts promptly.
Upon arrival, you are escorted or directed toward the sitting room to await host Dr. Watson, portrayed by Terry Wetherald. Yes, that Dr. Watson of Sherlock Holmes' fame. Author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, performed by John Skipper, arrives to help guide the audience throughout the museum to meet Victorian-era characters (remember to curtsy or bow to the Queen) and uncover facts regarding infamous Jack the Ripper.

The ultimate goal is to discover the true identity of London's murderer of Whitechapel's ladies of the evening. One such lady, Elizabeth Stride, portrayed by Cyndi Skipper, meanders about the museum, propositioning audience and cast members, and offering opinions of the case in the most delightful way possible. Until she is brutally murdered.

Wetherald, John and Cyndi Skipper interact with each other and the audience in a thoroughly enjoyable manner, inserting one-liners while sharing advice about the case. Characters met along the journey include royalty, a medium, and dead bodies. Although a few parts are somewhat grisly, the bantering keeps the mood light.

Bottom Line: Amateur sleuths, literary and history buffs alike will enjoy From Dark Pages, as this twist to normal theater fare offers a relaxed and entertaining performance in an Indiana historical landmark.
For tickets, performance times and directions, click IndianaLandmarks/FromDarkPages.
Photo from website.
Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.